Harley V-rod motor vs. Buell?

Question

Harley went through great lenghts to make the V-rod. In the process, they "legitimized" water-cooling as "equally American" as air-cooling. Air cooling was the standard (and excuse) for many years. During those years, it gave HD the right to insult the "fakeness" of water-cooled twins, and their not-so-well-hidden radiators.

My question is, when will HD put a proper Buell motor into a Sportster frame? Just seems so logical. And inexpensive, regarding the non-existent R&D work needed. Doing this from the beginning would have allowed them some continuity, regarding the whole air-cooled thing.

Answer 1

Well harley isn't going to put the Rotax into a sportster and the buelized sportster engine isn't all that.  Just buy a sportster and spend a few thousand making it slightly faster like everyone else.  And then enjoy getting spanked by a 250 Ninja.

If you care about a corny dirtbag biker image or a low rent status symbol...buy a harley.  If you care about performance buy something other than a harley and something other than a cruiser.

Munks....a motorcycle is a tool, sports equipment.  Or it is a fashion accessory/status symbol.  Why would anyone want to ski downhill on old wood skies with beartrap bindings from 1960 that cost more than the latest greatest parabolic skies with the latest in bindings?  Why would someone choose a slow heavy bad handling snow mobile when superior ones are cheaper?  

The choice isn't V-twin or sport bike.  I've only owned one sport bike unless you count the old turbo Honda then two, more accurately my VFR is a sport touring bike, the other 13 bikes were great bikes and all superior performers to V-twin cruisers.  

If you are starting to care about performance here is a nice site that will help with performance comparisons.  http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical.asp

Answer 2

I'm with you on this. I had a 2008 Night Rod. I got rid of it because I hated the riding position, but the engine and throttle control were some of the best of any bike I have ever owned. Super smooth throttle take up, not a flat spot or hickup anywhere. Enough power and torque, although not record setting. Just a wonderful powertrain. I think it was designed with assistance from Porsche. I was wondering why Buell wouldn't use it just the other day.  

Answer 3

Well since Harley did not develop the V Rod engine, they bought it, this question seem a bit odd.

Answer 4

Sorry but like Harley, Buell will be happy to tell you unrealistic horsepower numbers, but I'm seeing the XB12S Lightning as the highest horsepower bike that Buell makes other than the Rotax bike and it only comes in at 85...not impressive. The St2 only has 59hp.....a 1200 sportster comes in at 56hp. (add 100 hp to that and take off 200cc and you have a Yamaha R1)

That said I agree that Harley could make more money by offering these engines as some kind of whimpering eagle premium. There is a sucker born every minute.

Answer 5

The 08 Sportys have most of the Buell parts in them, heads, cams,etc. They now put out 72 HP.

Answer 6

harley doesn't pout buell motors in there bikes it's vice a versa. harley's too proud.

Answer 7

Harley really can't change much of their design because of the traditionalists that are their core market. Buell is an OK bike just not competitive in any racing form but it is still cool.